Study of the humidity effect on the mechanical properties of PVOH+H3PO2/TiO2 proton exchange membranes

The elastic modulus of polymeric membranes based on PVOH + H3PO2 TiO2 was studied as a function relative humidity (%RH) and the volumetric fraction water. Tensile stress-strain tests (nominal stress) were performed to determine Young's modulus, yield strength, break stress, strain stress at constant speed 10 mm/min. membrane’s acid concentration kept molar high proton conduction P/OH = 0.3, they separated into two test groups, 5 wt. %TiO2 fillers, without TiO2. For between 8 94% RH, with show an improvement in concerning those doping, but have no significant difference 100% under confidence level 95%. In general, data analysis indicates that mechanical properties electrical previously reported are directly related absorption water contained hydrophilic groups expand during swelling. contrast, hydrophobic solid-like polymer backbone nanoparticle fillers maintain structural stability.